Featured Source: Form & Function

Take a close look at the collection of images above (.pdf). What common theme can you identify? Note similarities and differences between the images.

Now take a look at the bibliographic records of each image by clicking the links below. What is the function of the main object in each image? Choose one of these and investigate how the object was used in the past and if it is still used today.

What types of tasks can you envision the main objects of the images could perform today? Sketch or build a model and write a description of it’s function and how your model will help the object perform that function.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!